Description
The Uva di Puglia PGI refers to table grapes belonging to the Italia b., Regina b., Victoria b., Michele Palieri n., Red Globe rs. varieties, cultivated in Apulia at an altitude below 330 m above sea level.
Production Area
The production area of Uva di Puglia PGI is within all the provinces in the Apulia region situated at an altitude of below 330 m above sea level.
Production Method
In order to create vineyards for table grapes it is necessary to use a pergola training system with horizontal trelliswork. Dry pruning must be carried out between December and the end of February of the following year. The vines can be protected with polyethylene and/or plastic film nets and greenhouse cultivation is permitted to protect the bunches from atmospheric agents such as hail, wind or rain, which could damage the fruit; it also encourages early-ripening or a late harvest (depending on the period in which the vines are covered). Harvesting begins as soon as the bunches are considered to have reached the minimum qualitative requirements for commercialisation. The period therefore varies according to the variety: the harvest of the Victoria white grape variety begins during the first ten days of July and finishes at the end of August; the Regina white grape variety is harvested between the second week of July and the end of September; the Michele Palieri black grape variety between the end of July and the end of October; the Red Globe dark red grape variety between mid-August and the end of September; and the Italia white grape variety between the first week of September and December 15th.
Appearance and Flavour
The colour of Uva di Puglia PGI varies according to the variety: the Italia, Regina and Victoria varieties are pale straw-yellow; the Red Globe variety is golden pink; and the Michele Palieri variety is deep, velvety black. It has a sweet taste and strong aroma, especially the Italia variety, and is particularly sugary.
History
Apulia is the ideal region for the cultivation of table grapes, both for the pedoclimatic conditions and the specialisation of the farmers, who have carried on the tradition for over two centuries, continuously guaranteeing the high-quality of the product. It is no coincidence that over the years Apulia grapes have seen a progressive increase in production and, above all, in exportation. In fact, on the contrary to other varieties, it was already being exported outside of Italy at the end of the 1800s, thanks to its long shelf-life.
Gastronomy
Uva di Puglia PGI should be kept at a low temperature, thereby maintaining the organoleptic qualities for a longer period of time. This product is particularly sought-after and mainly eaten fresh. Its sweetness and intense aroma also make Uva di Puglia PGI an ideal ingredient for various dishes, from desserts to first courses: fruit flans, puddings, ice-cream, starters, pasta and salads. It is also possible to make excellent distillates from the seeds.
Marketing
The product is marketed as Uva di Puglia PGI, in the following varieties: Italia b., Regina b., Victoria b., Michele Palieri n., Red Globe rs. It is sold in bags of 500 g and 1 kg; PET or propylene containers of 0.5-0.75-1-1.5 and 2 kg enclosed in plastic, wooden or cardboard packaging; cardboard boxes of 2-2.5 and 3 kg and cardboard, wooden, plywood or plastic crates of 5 kg. Each packet must contain bunches of the same variety. The commercial varieties are Extra and First.
Distinctive Features
As well as its undeniable aesthetic qualities – the uniformity of the bunch and the intense and vivid colour of the skin - Uva di Puglia PGI is also extremely appreciated for its crunchy pulp, which gives it a longer shelf-life.
